back in the groove.....

I spent the last few days with my family and girlfriend down in the Cape Fear River area, and am trying to get back in the work groove today. While at my sister's we roasted vegetables and served them in one of my oval bowls, an item I keep forgetting to add to my "to make list," until today anyway. Using one at Brenda's and Bobby's spurred me to make more today, along with some teabowls, an item I need in every kiln load.

I had a great weekend, starting with supper Friday night at Le Catalan with Tina. Le Catalan is on the river, has outdoor seating on the boardwalk and is owned by an oenologist named Pierre. Tina had a gratin with shrimp and orzo, and I had an artisanal sausage and zucchini gratin. We were allowed to sample different wines before we chose one to go with supper, and eventually picked a Catalonian syrah/merlot blend. Everything was delicious, including the chocolate mousse and fresh peach sorbet we had for dessert. If you're ever in the Wilmington area, give it a try!

Sunday afternoon was spent with my parents down on the Northeast Cape Fear River. That's Tina on the deck, and Bobby, me and dad prior to lunch below.

In addition to making a few pots today I dug up my potatoes, pulled out the remaining lettuces (too bitter!) and spent a little time cleaning up the raised beds in my behind-the-kiln-shed-garden.

The Romas appeared in my absence.

The peppers have a ways to go before they turn red.

The basil is already two feet tall, which means it will soon be time to make pesto for next winter.
In other news.....
Our State Magazine has a great feature article on Seagrove and StarWorks in their July issue. The Seagrove article was mostly a pictorial, and included locals -- Jill at the Dairy Breeze and Tommy at Seagrove Hardware.